I need to buy a special calculator for my 4th grader?

[Mom21]

I don't usually have much to say about schools and such, but this just ticks me off. No wonder we are rearing a generation of children that can't give change at the local mcD's if you throw them off by adding a quarter to your money after they have entered it in the computer. My 10yo is taking an Algebra 1 class through a local homeschool place. She was just telling me today she can't wait until Chapter 7, because that is the only chapter they are allowed to use a calc. until Algebra II. She was moving right along today (BTW-only Chapter 3), understood the lesson, but asked to use a calc so she could speed things up. SORRY!! Not happening in this house. I told her in no uncertain terms, it certainly wouldn't hurt her to divide 3.7/1.2. And while I am not planning for her to work at McD's, if she does, she WILL know how to give change and do it with a smile on her face. Well knowing my dd the smile will be stretching it, but I am trying......LOL.

But Hey---I'm the mean mom.

 

[aprilgail2]

I doubt it will be what he needs in high school. The one they request in our high school classes is a graphing calculator that runs around $100 unless you find it on sale or with a rebate.

At my daughters school they are required to supply each kid with one of those calculators if they require them to have them. It was just passed about 2 years ago and boy was I happy to hear it!!! You have to pay for it if your child losses it or breaks it though.

 

[MM27]

The TI-15 also has a function where kids can practice their facts. The calculator gives them a problem like 8 x 7 and they have to type in the answer and it gives them immediate feedback. It's good practice for a child that otherwise would not practice their facts. The calculator should not take the place of mental math or paper/pencil problem solving.

Everyday Math journal pages tell the kids at the top of the page whether or not they may use their calculator. Believe me, using a calculator for many kids is something that needs to be taught.

In my school, every class has them for the kids to use. If parents want them for home use, they send home a notice and I think last year they only charged $7.00. When the schools order them in bulk, they pay very little for them.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I don't usually have much to say about schools and such, but this just ticks me off. No wonder we are rearing a generation of children that can't give change

 

[Cindy B]

Wait until middle or high school. It gets worse then.

My DH is taking business courses and just bought a TI 83 yesterday. He got a great deal of 75 with a 13 dollar rebate so that isn't so bad.

My son is in seventh grade so we will hang on to it for him to have.

 

[DISUNC]

This Thread mad me laugh! Calculators came out towards the end of my school days.
If anyone was caught with a calculator in school...YOU WERE EXPELLED!

Times have changed

 

[golfgal]

Our kids have used calculators for several years in school. They were not allowed to use them on basic problems but many of the lessons they had were designed to learn to use the functions of a calculator or they reinforced other lessons learned. It doesn't prevent kids from learning math the old fashioned way. I remember doing a lot of advanced algebra long hand and it took FOREVER. We were able to use calculators when I was in high school for some of the really complex problems but the rest was all done long hand. As long as you understand the basic process, a calculator doesn't make a difference. I used to be really anti-calculator until I saw how they were used.

We had to by our first graphing calculator this year . I am not looking forward to when the twins need them too.